Spurs, Clippers clash at Staples Center

(Sports Network) - Two of the NBA's finest meet at the Staples Center Thursday
night when the San Antonio Spurs, owners of the best record in the league,
take on the Los Angeles Clippers.

These are two teams with legitimate title hopes and are playing as such. Both
head into this nationally-televised heavyweight bout with four-game winning
streaks.

But so far in the 2013 campaign, the Clippers have owned the Spurs. L.A.
throttled the Spurs, 106-84, on Nov. 7 at the Staples Center, then bested San
Antonio in its own building 12 days later.

"The Clippers are one hell of a team," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said after
his team's victory Tuesday night in Sacramento.

And the Clips certainly respect their opponent, especially in the midst of a
Spurs run that has seen them win 15 of their last 16 games.

"San Antonio is playing at a very high level as they always do," Clippers
coach Vinny Del Negro said. "We obviously have to play very well and execute
our plan, be able to make some adjustments. So we'll see."

The Spurs are on their season-long, nine-game rodeo road trip. They are 5-1 to
this point and got to that mark with a 108-102 victory Tuesday against the
Kings.

Tony Parker was sensational against Sacramento. He accounted for 30 points and
11 assists, although he did commit seven turnovers.

"He picked up where he left off before the All-Star break," Popovich said.
"He's having an unbelievable year. He just keeps doing it. Very committed,
very focused, he's done for us tonight what he's done for us all year."

Parker has averaged 29.0 ppg and 9.0 apg over his last five, but his lowest
scoring output of the season came in that first game against the Clippers when
he only managed four points. Parker only had 11 in the rematch.

Thursday will mark the Clippers first outing since after the All-Star break.
It was in Houston for the showcase game where Chris Paul walked off with MVP
honors and he will try to push his squad toward the No. 1 seed in the West,
currently occupied by San Antonio.

"The plan is to pick up where we left off," Paul said on Wednesday.
"Obviously, we had a week until our last game last Thursday and then we play
again tomorrow. It's a good test for us to get back out on the court against
the Spurs, get our legs back up under us and just start."

The Clippers play their first three after the break at home and own a seven-
game lead in the Pacific Division. They won four straight before the All-Star
break, including a 125-101 drubbing of their neighbors, the Los Angeles Lakers
one week ago.

The Clips jumped on the Lakers in the first quarter, winning that frame by 14.
They were 21 clear to start the fourth and cruised to victory, thanks in part
to 24 points and 13 assists from Paul.